What Should I Teach My Puppy First?
Puppies can be overwhelming. While trying to keep your head above water with the house training and biting and everything else in life that demands your attention, you’re also wondering about socialization and basic obedience and jumping and pulling on the leash.
There’s so much! What needs to be taught and when?
Rather than look at every piece individually, it can be helpful to divide your pup’s education into three categories:
#1 Socialization
Socialization is #1. Why? Because the best opportunity for socialization ends when your pup is 4 months old. That doesn’t mean socialization can’t happen after that—it just won’t be as effective. Check out this helpful article from Growl Snarl Snap on how-tos for puppy socialization.
#2 House Manners
House Manners are #2 because they are among the most irritating behavior problems people deal with: house training, jumping, table manners, barking and confinement issues. These problems are all dog-initiated and often feel inescapable. Getting them under control sooner rather than later is essential for creating an enjoyable adult dog.
Good house manners starts with a lot of management.
#3 Basic Obedience
Just because Basic Obedience is last, doesn’t mean you can’t start it early! Basic Obedience exercises are [prep your puppy for resting quietly in the crate] and make Socialization and House Manners easier
In terms of what to teach first, I usually start clients with offered Eye Contact, Recall, and offered Down. Listening around distractions, walking on a leash without pulling, and relaxing need to happen shortly thereafter to support Socialization and House Manners efforts.
Check out the other posts in the Koinonia Puppy Series!
Crate Training Puppies